Making a trip down to the dentist is one that can prove to be quite an uncomfortable experience for many of us. After all, it is not a pleasant idea to have the inside of your mouth probed and examined. Nonetheless, it is an essential part of our health regime and it is important that we should be able to trust the health professionals in charge of taking care of us.
Although in most cases, the treatment provided by dentists to their patients is of a high standard, in some instances this standard fails as some patients suffer personal injury as a result. However, it is necessary to distinguish between an unfortunate side effect or actual negligence on the part of the dentist. Your dentist may have been negligent in a number of different ways. It is possible that your crown was not fitted properly. Perhaps your dentist was negligent in failing to spot a serious dental disease and now you are experiencing persistent pain and have suffered permanent damage to your teeth.
What are the types of dental negligence?
There are many types of dental negligence that can occur. The list below outlines some of the main ones:
Misdiagnosis
This is when the dentist fails to recognise a serious problem which results in the patient receiving inadequate treatment for their dental problem. If the patient suffers more pain and hardship as a result of the misdiagnosis, the patient may be entitled to compensation
Carelessness
It is the responsibility of the dentist to perform the dental procedure to a high standard, up-keeping the patient’s personal safety at all times. This is essential as great trust is placed in the dentist carrying out the procedure. However, the dentist may be careless during the procedure and end up causing personal injury to the patient. This can give rise to a clinical negligence claim.
Inadequate treatment over a length of time
Providing inadequate treatment to the patient is another basis for a possible compensation claim. The inadequate treatment provided could lead to personal injury to the patient. In order to make a claim, the patient will have to prove that another dentist in the same professional capacity would not have made the same error in judgement.
Drug usage by dentists
The dentist may be responsible for giving the patient the wrong dosage of drug or may have failed to analyse the patient’s forms which would have mentioned any allergies the patient may have. If the patient suffered personal injury as a result of this then they may be able to claim compensation.
If you feel that the dental treatment provided to you was below standard, and suffered injury as a result, you may be entitled to a compensation claim. Our specialist solicitor’s will be able to assist you in your claim if your dentist caused a dental accident which resulted in you suffering emotionally and physically.
It will have to be demonstrated that another competent member of the dental profession would not have provided the same form of treatment. Let our solicitors assess your case with compassion and understanding, and we will be able to ensure you that you have the best chance possible in winning your compensation claim.
Ayesha Salim , editor of the UK Lawyers Network, writes articles about Solicitors, solicitor, Dental Negligence Claim, find a solicitor, legal, lawyer, law help advice, solicitors litigation
